Clavo winery is owned and operated by Neil Roberts, who has been a highly sought after viticulturist in the region for more than 20 years. In 2007 Neil started his own label and makes wine from fruit from vineyards which he manages. The label specializes in hand-grown artisan wines that express the character and culture of these Paso Robles vineyards.

He created Clavo Cellars with the intent to showcase the many qualities of the Paso Robles Appellation. Neil believes wine is grown in the vineyard and simply maintained in the cellar. Through Neil’s primary business, Roberts Vineyard Services, he manages over 1,600 acres of vineyard from the southernmost part of Monterey County down through Edna Valley, San Luis Obispo.

Neil has chosen to use only fruit from the vineyards he manages to insure quality from the ground to the glass. Clavo focuses on varietals that flourish in the microclimates throughout Paso Robles. With access to some of the best vineyard sites on the central coast of California we have created a brand that truly focuses on the best that our region has to offer.

The name CLAVO means “nail” in Spanish—a play on Neil’s name which he acquired early in his career as a viticulturist, as given to him by vineyard workers. The nail symbol dominates his wine labels.

The storefront tasting room, in the small wine town of Templeton, is an attractive wood sided building nearby the tall grain elevators that dominate the tiny town. Inside is a wide well appointed space with a small tasting bar at one end, serving up Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, a rose, Zinfandel, a Proprietary Blend called Collusion, and their flagship blend, Reckless Moment.

On Friday and Saturday nights they stay open till 7pm and include cheese pairing along with your tasting.